Trips often mark memorable milestones in our lives. 

For me, a journey to Singapore with my aunt right before middle school was exactly that a trip that taught me invaluable lessons.

It was my very first time on an airplane. 

A surge of excitement rushed through me, though my hands were trembling slightly with nerves. 

My aunt turned to me and asked, "Are you ready to use your English?"

"Uhm, yes, I am," I replied.

But in reality, my "yes" only meant I knew a few simple, everyday phrases. 

Up until then, everything I had learned in school was limited to reading, writing, and listening practice. 

I had never actually spoken English to a foreigner before. 

I quietly reassured myself, It's okay, everything will be fine.

When the plane landed, Singapore’s warm, tropical air greeted us the moment we stepped out of the airport. 

After quickly dropping our luggage at the hotel, we threw ourselves right into the heartbeat of the city.

My aunt took me straight to Merlion Park. 

Standing before the half-lion, half-fish statue spouting water against a backdrop of towering skyscrapers, I was mesmerized. 

We took those classic tourist photos, pretending to catch the water droplets in our hands. 

Later, we wandered through the bustling streets of Chinatown.

"Try ordering our food, honey," my aunt encouraged me.

Surprisingly, it went well. I managed to tell the cashier what I wanted, and my aunt paid for it. 

We visited the world-famous zoo right away after lunch. 

Everything felt like stepping into a completely different, magical world

At the end of the animal show, the trainer let the kids in the audience come up and touch a dolphin. 

It was my very first time being so close to a sea creature. I gently stroked its back, feeling its smooth skin. I soaked in every second of that moment.

"It's getting late," my aunt finally said. 

"Gather your things so we can head back to the hotel."

When I stood up, my body felt as heavy as an old woman leaning on a walking stick. 

I was moving in slow motion. 

The day had been exhausting, yet I just didn't want to quit the fun.

We hopped on the subway for our ride back. 

Along the way, my aunt struck up a friendly conversation with some strangers. 

Suddenly, they turned to me and smiled.

"What is your name?" one of them asked.